My First Research Paper, Secondary ELA and Writing Activity

“My First Research Paper” will help guide your students through the often frustrating and overwhelming process of writing a research paper! Designed for secondary students, these activities may be modified to meet the needs of your learners. For example, if your students are not ready to incorporate MLA citations into their papers (or if you prefer APA), you can teach the citations and works cited format in a different way. 7th grade teachers may want to keep things more simplified, as 10th grade teachers will want to ensure students fully understand citation/MLA format and guidelines.

If you already have activities to teach research paper writing, you may pair these activities with your current materials. These pages are meant to enhance your lesson, not necessarily replace what you are already doing! You are free to use only what you need. You may also use the “Peer Revising & Editing” page for other writing assignments, not just research papers.

I hope you find these tools helpful, for both you and your students. Examples are shown on every page to help the students along the way!

Included in PDF File (14 pages):

-Research Paper Notes & Topic Ideas

-Make a Plan! (Brainstorming Activity Page)

-Research Outline

-Rough Draft Pages (with tips)

-Citation Station (Guide for MLA in-text citations & works cited)

-Peer Revising & Editing

-Final Draft Guidelines & Fill-In Information for Students

-Final Paper Rubric

Feel free to ask questions before purchasing! As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated. Enjoy!

Check out more of my research, writing, and public speaking activities! Just click the links below!

Biographical Informative Speech (Guidelines, outlines, rubric, peer critique)

Travel the World! Country Project (upper elementary/secondary)

Environmental Informative Speech & Technology-Based Presentation

President Research, Speech & Lapbook Project

Prove It! Research and Citation Activities for 5th-8th Grade Students